Introduction

There are many pet-friendly trails and accommodations to choose from in the Moab area. By taking a few precautions and observing local rules and regulations, traveling with your pet can be a very rewarding experience.

NATIONAL PARKS
Activities with pets are very limited within the National Parks of southern Utah. Pets are prohibited from the backcountry as well as on trails. Pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle and may be walked only on roads or in parking lots. Pets may accompany visitors in campgrounds.

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS
Generally, pets may accompany you as you hike on public land in Canyon Country outside of the national parks. (Check out our Hiking Page for details on some popular pet friendly Moab area hikes.)

Pet Etiquette and Local Laws

Clean Up After Your Pet
Bring plastic bags, litter, or bedding. Wherever you stay, don’t forget to clean up after your pet. It’s both common sense, and courteous to the places you’re visiting.

Research and Obey Local Laws
In Moab City all dogs must be kept on a leash, in Grand County all dogs must be kept under restraint, no owner shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his or her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.

Pet Friendly Trails and Places
Find out where the pet friendly trails and other pet friendly places are located. Moab’s Bark Park is an off-leash dog park located at 100 East 300 South on the southeast corner of the intersection. This is a great place to bring your dog so they can exercise, run, and play, unleashed. (Please remember to clean up after your dog.)

Identification
Make sure the identification tags on your pet’s collar are up to date and fastened securely to the collar. An updated rabies vaccine is required for all dogs and cats in the state of Utah.

Safety Information in the Heat

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
On sunny and warm days, the air in the car doesn’t circulate and the temperature can rise within minutes to a point where it can become life threatening. Even if the windows are cracked, cars heat up quickly and your pet can be in danger. For example, a 70 degree day will quickly heat up to 104 degrees inside the car.

Watch for Heatstroke
Even if you don’t keep your pets in a hot car, hot summer weather can still be bad for your pet’s health- find out about the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, and how you can prevent it.

Rest Stop Areas Mean Everyone Gets a Break
Take your dog out for a walk; offer some water and a snack. Be sure you’ve got plenty of water around for both you and your pets, especially on hot days.

Sunblock is for Pets, Too
Did you know that animals can get sunburned, too? This is especially true for animals with light-colored skin. If that describes your pet, talk to your vet about getting some pet-safe sunscreen and then be sure to use it (particularly on areas like the nose and ears). Protect their feet as well; the pavement and backcountry trail rocks and sand can be scorching on pets paws.

Backcountry Hiking
In the backcountry a leash is recommended, not required, but dogs do need to be under verbal restraint and not chase or harass wildlife. Be sure to keep your pets away from dangerous cliff areas, dogs can fall or get stuck on ledges when allowed to run off leash.

Practice Water Safety
Just because your dog loves the water doesn’t mean he always knows its dangers! Keep an eye on your pet around water, especially when it’s an unfamiliar place. Animals won’t know about fast-moving currents, how tired they can get if they swim out too far (or for too long), and potentially-poisonous water sources, among other things. If your pet will be in and out of water often on your trip, bring along a life-jacket for him or her, too.

Desert Plants
You might be familiar with the plants that grow where you live, but desert plants such as cactus, cheat grass, foxtail or other plants can be a problem for pets. The danger for pets lies in sharp spines or the “invasiveness” of dry seed pods that can work its way into fur, paws, skin and mucous membranes and removal may require a visit to the vet.

Keep Bugs AwaySpring, summer and fall is high travel season, and it’s also a high bug season. Things like sticktight fleas, ticks, lice and even heartworm can be an issue for your pets during the warm months so take precautions against them before you leave home.

Travel and Lodging

Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations and Activities
Before you leave home, you can find out about a variety of pet-friendly events going on in and around the places you’ll be visiting on your trip, and you can also make sure you’re booking stays at hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals that allow pets. Check our lodging listings for pet friendly accommodations.

Accommodations
Don’t leave your pet alone in your lodging, even if the hotel is dog friendly, a barking dog can be considered a nuisance. If local animal control is called your pet may be impounded at the shelter.

Pack with a Purpose
Keep pet travel essentials in your vehicle. This list includes a water bowl, bottled water, extra leash and collar with identification tags, poop bags, an old towel, pre-moistened wipes, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications, a copy of health records, bedding, treats, one or two favorite toys and at least a three-day supply of food.

Kennels and Carriers Some places require that your pet be in a carrier or crate when left alone. A kennel is also a safe way to travel for your pet.

Pet Health

Medication
Make sure you have enough of it for the duration of your time away from home. Pick up refills for your pet before you head out.

Find the Local Emergency Vet
Know before you go where the emergency vet is in the area you are staying in case your pet becomes injured. It saves a lot of stress and time in the event that your pet needs immediate medical attention. Veterinarian offices located in Grand County are Moab Vet Clinic (435-259-8710) and Mill Creek Animal Hospital (435-259-2733).